Definition

A seizure happens when there are certain types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, you may:

Lose consciousness

Stare into space

Have convulsions (abnormal jerking of the muscles)

Experience abnormalities of sensation or emotion

If you have two or more seizures that are not due to an illness or other trigger, then it is considered a seizure disorder. This condition is also known as epilepsy.
Seizure disorders may be classified by the part of the brain they affect and the kinds of symptoms they cause. One way to categorize into two important groups is:

Generalized seizure disorder—onset is throughout the brain, not from a single focal location

Treatment

Prevent seizures—may be done through medicine, surgery, or special therapies

Avoid factors that stimulate seizure activity

Anti-epileptic Medication

There are wide varieties of medicines that may be used. Some of these include:

Phenytoin

Diazepam

Lorazepam

Carbamazepine

Valproic acid

Levetiracetam

Gabapentin

Phenobarbital

Ethosuximide

Clonazepam

Primidone

Oxcarbazepine

Lamotrigine

Topiramate

Felbamate

Tiagabine

Zonisamide

Pregabalin

Lacosamide

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Vigabatrin
(approved for use in infants)

These drugs may be given alone or in combination. Each of these drugs may have particular side effects and interactions. Talk to your doctor about which medicine is right for you.

Surgery

If medicine does not work or the side effects are too severe, you may need surgery. Surgery involves the removal of the seizure focus. This is the area of the brain that has been identified as starting the seizure. Surgery is only an option for people who have very localized areas of the brain involved.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

A device is implanted in the chest. It will provide intermittent electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve. It is not clear how this works. Somehow it prevents or decreases the frequency of seizures. You may still require medicine. The dosage may be less.

Ketogenic Diet

This is a very strict diet. It is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and proteins. This diet keeps the body’s chemical balance in ketosis. Ketosis decreases the frequency of seizures. The reason is unknown. Following a
ketogenic diet
is most successful in children. It is less successful in adults.

Modification of Activity

If you have a seizure disorder, you can take the following steps to try to decrease the chance of a seizure:

Get enough sleep.

Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Alcohol can make seizures more likely.

Avoid hyperventilating.

Avoid places where flashing or strobe lights are in use.

Wear a medical alert bracelet. That way, if you have a seizure, people around you will understand what is happening. They will be able to take appropriate steps to be helpful.

Consider keeping a seizure log. Record things that were happening around the time of a seizure. This will help to identify a seizure trigger.

Take your seizure medicines according to the prescription.

Prevention

There are no known ways to prevent every type of seizure disorder. You can take steps to prevent brain injuries that could lead to seizures:

Always wear a helmet when using bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.